Australia’s Labor government has ruled out allowing major technology companies unrestricted access to copyrighted materials to train artificial intelligence models, following fierce opposition from artists, writers, and media groups, The Guardian reported.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland confirmed that the government will not pursue a “text and data mining” exemption under copyright law—a proposal originally suggested by the Productivity Commission and supported by tech firms seeking easier access to creative works.
“Australian creatives are not only world-class, but they are also the lifeblood of Australian culture,” Rowland said. “We must ensure the right legal protections are in place.”
The decision comes after widespread backlash from authors, musicians, and unions, who warned that such an exemption would amount to “rampant theft” of intellectual property. Writer Anna Funder described large-scale AI systems as being built on “unauthorised appropriation” of creative works, while First Nations rapper Adam Briggs told Parliament it would be “hard to get the genie back in the bottle” if tech giants were granted free rein.
The Productivity Commission admitted during hearings that it had not consulted creators or assessed the impact of its proposal before publishing the recommendation—drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers and industry groups.
Rowland said the government remains committed to supporting innovation but that creators must share in the benefits of AI’s growth. “Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for Australia and our economy; however, it’s important that Australian creatives benefit from these opportunities too,” she said.
The government will instead explore a paid licensing model under the Copyright Act, potentially replacing the current voluntary regime.
The Australian Recording Industry Association called the decision “a win for creativity and common sense,” while Guardian Australia welcomed it as recognition that “Australian copyrighted content deserves protection and payment.”
“This is about safeguarding Australia’s creative sovereignty,” said ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd. “Artists deserve the right to decide how their work is used and to share in the value it creates.”
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